Computer software has been an integral part of our lives and the global economy for at least the last 35 years. Interestingly, the space environment, by comparison, has only recently become “software-defined” — with programmable satellites, robotics, AI, and machine learning becoming more commonplace in orbit. The demand for significant processing power, storage and better intelligence has simultaneously created a huge new market for space tech companies.

In this episode, Ramon.Space CEO Avi Shabtai joins us to explain the software-defined space revolution. Shabtai, whose startup aims to bring supercomputing and a variety of new in-space applications to satellites, outlines the unique challenges that the harsh space environment presents to software developers. 

Shabtai and I also discuss the benefits of reprogrammable space technology, the evolution of the satellite control center, new space-based applications, troubleshooting space software, and the job market for space software engineering talent.